The Evolution of The Christmas Tree Decoration-How It All Came About

Nothing is quite as comparable to the joy experienced by a family getting together to enjoy the Christmas holidays. Baking cookies together, watching that favorite traditional Christmas movie and, of course, trimming the tree.

For most families the Christmas tree decoration is retrieved from their yearly storage area and brought out immediately following Thanksgiving. The families that own an artificial tree generally display their tree right away while those opting for a live tree shop for that special tree as soon as possible.

As the tree decoration boxes are unpacked many memories are experienced as each decoration has a special meaning or even represented that of a special Christmas memory. Christmas decorations such as the babys first Christmas or that ornament that has the kindergarten picture of your child or that special adornment to the tree that represents the love between you and that special someone.

The History of the Christmas Tree Decoration

Early day Christmas decorations were food items that adorned the trees. Some of these items included little pastries, apples, and other sweets. The tradition was to eat these tree decorations following the celebration of Christmas. Items that could not be eaten were eventually added to the mix. Tradition states that Martin Luther was the first individual to attach non-edible items by placing candles upon his Christmas tree.

As families immigrated to America they brought their traditional type of Christmas tree decoration with them. However, added to the mix of European food items were popcorn, cranberries and festively colored decorations. Eventually, adding to the items that helped to trim the tree, were glass ornaments that were made and popularized in Germany and eventually exported to other countries.

With the discovery of electricity in the latter part of the 19th century, it was a natural progression that electrical lighting would be a part of the Christmas tree decoration.

Christmas Tree Decorations Today

Christmas decorations of today have changed considerably. The ornaments are wonderfully decorated and highlighted with glimmering colors. Often the decorations are non-edible, but may sometimes reflect the original use and idea of trimming the tree with fruit and candy. For example candy canes may hang from the branch of a tree. However, these candy canes are not real, but merely an artificial representation that is outlined with lights. These artificial candy canes add to the decorative mix.

The lights, as part of the decoration now twinkle as well as giving the appearance of moving or running around the tree.

Despite the fact that the decorations of today have changed in style and the materials used, the one simple fact remains. That fact is that Christmas tree decorations are still an integral part of the Christmas holiday that symbolizes and reflects the familys celebration of their faith.